While we never got to experience the promised adventure of ‘In the Valley of the Gods,’ a cancelled game from the creators of ‘Firewatch,’ a former developer has offered us a tantalizing glimpse into what could have been.
Matthew Wilde, a visual effects developer who worked on both ‘In the Valley of the Gods’ and ‘Counter-Strike 2,’ recently shared a clip on Bluesky showcasing the game’s impressive water effects. Even with the compression of social media, the water’s realism is undeniable, showcasing the innovative techniques used by Campo Santo.
Wilde, who previously detailed the team’s approach to these effects, explained that they utilized a GPU-based simulation to create realistic water physics. This innovative system took into account the water’s depth, velocity, and proximity to objects, resulting in stunningly lifelike textures.
This peek into the past is especially poignant given the fate of ‘In the Valley of the Gods.’ After Campo Santo was acquired by Valve in 2018, the game was put on hold and the team shifted to other projects, including the critically acclaimed ‘Half-Life: Alyx.’
Although the game remains listed on Steam with a release date set for December 2029, the future of ‘In the Valley of the Gods’ remains shrouded in uncertainty. Despite the game’s cancellation, this leaked footage provides a powerful reminder of the potential that was lost. It’s a testament to the creativity and technical prowess of Campo Santo, and a reminder of the immersive gaming experiences they were capable of crafting.
